Best Easy Chili Cheese Casserole Recipe

Chili cheese casserole bakes hearty beef chili under a blanket of melted cheese for a quick, protein-packed family dinner. This Tex-Mex inspired comfort food is bold, cheesy, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Cook 60 min Difficulty EASY 478 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • ground beef 1 lb
  • kidney beans 1.5 cups
  • onion 1 cup
  • bell pepper 0.5 cup
  • canned diced tomatoes 2 cups
  • shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • chili powder 2 tbsp
  • cumin 1 tsp
  • garlic powder 1 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • olive oil 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 20%
Protein 29 g 24%
Fat 27 g 56%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

  2. 2

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Sauté onions and bell pepper until softened, about 4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat for best texture.

  4. 4

    Stir in kidney beans, canned diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer mixture on medium-low, uncovered, for 10 minutes to meld flavors.

  5. 5

    Transfer chili mixture evenly to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top.

  6. 6

    Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for optimal slicing.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What core ingredients define the flavor of Chili Cheese Casserole?
The bold, comforting flavor of this casserole comes from key ingredients: ground beef delivers hearty texture and savory notes, while chili powder and cumin provide the signature Tex-Mex spiciness. Diced tomatoes and kidney beans add richness, and the generous layer of cheddar cheese on top brings a creamy, melty finish.
Q. What is the most important cooking step for ensuring great results?
Simmering the chili mixture for about 10 minutes after combining meat, beans, tomatoes, and spices is crucial. This step allows the flavors to blend and deepen before baking, ensuring each bite is robust and cohesive.
Q. How do I prevent my casserole from turning out watery?
Be sure to drain excess fat from the browned beef and simmer the chili mixture uncovered to let moisture evaporate. This prevents excess liquid in the casserole, resulting in a perfectly set, sliceable dish.
Q. How many calories and protein does each serving provide?
Each serving contains approximately 478 kcal and 29g protein. This makes the dish filling and high in protein, ideal for a hearty family meal. Carbohydrates and fat per serving are 24g and 27g, respectively.
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